Rituals Of The Jagannath Yatra: A Sacred Journey

According to the Hindu calendar, every year, on the second day of the waxing phase of the Ashadha month, Jagannath Yatra is celebrated in the Puri district of Odisha state. It is said that through this procession, Lord Jagannath visits the Gundicha Temple once a year. The Jagannath Rath Yatra is not only celebrated in India but is also observed as a famous festival worldwide. Millions of devotees from around the world participate in the Rath Yatra and become witnesses to the procession. The Jagannath Temple, located in the Puri district of Odisha state, is one of the four holy pilgrimage sites in India. On this day, the Gundicha Temple is sanctified, and the worship of Lord Vishnu is performed according to tradition. The Jagannath Rath Yatra is celebrated in honor of Lord Jagannath, who is considered one of the ten avatars of Lord Vishnu.”

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According to the tradition associated with Lord Jagannath Yatra, on this day, Lord Jagannath, along with his siblings, rides on the Rath (chariot) and goes to his aunt’s house, Gundicha. It is believed that Gundicha is considered the aunt’s house of Lord Jagannath. Lord Jagannath stays here with his siblings for a whole week. At his aunt’s house, Lord Jagannath is revered with utmost devotion and respect. During their stay at their aunt’s house, seeing Lord Jagannath is considered an auspicious sight.

During these days, Lord Jagannath is offered Mahaprasad, including coconuts, Malpua (sweet pancakes), sweets, and fruits. After spending a whole week here, Lord Jagannath returns to his home, which is the Jagannath Temple.

The rituals performed during the Jagannath Yatra:

Talking about the rituals associated with the Jagannath Yatra, the preparation for the grand Rath Yatra begins with great enthusiasm. The construction of the holy chariot for the procession is meticulously done using specially selected neem wood. The festival commences with the formal bathing ceremony of the deities, known as Snana Purnima. It is said that on this day, the deities are bathed with scented water from 108 pots. Following this, a magnificent procession is taken out. In essence, this ritual symbolizes the divine rejuvenation of the deities’ celestial powers. The main attraction of this day’s journey is the grand procession, where the deities embark on a symbolic chariot journey from Jagannath Temple to Gundicha Temple, covering a distance of approximately three kilometers. During this procession, all devotees present pull the chariot with utmost reverence. According to these rituals, every year, the Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath is conducted.